Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister K Shanmugam launched the “25 Years of Legal Reform in Singapore” book series, highlighting the evolution of Singapore’s legal framework and its role in supporting governance, social cohesion, and national development.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam attended the launch of the “25 Years of Legal Reform in Singapore” book series on 28 July 2026. Held as part of the SGLaw200 commemorations marking the bicentennial of Singapore’s modern legal system, the event reflected on a quarter-century of legislative reforms that have shaped the country’s legal and institutional landscape.
The four-volume publication documents major legal reforms introduced between 2000 and 2025 across areas including civil, criminal, family, constitutional, and public law, as well as intellectual property, restructuring and insolvency, international dispute resolution, and emergency legislation enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series also examines the policy considerations behind each reform and features contributions from policymakers, legal practitioners, judges, academics, and public sector officers.
In his keynote address, Senior Minister Lee said Singapore’s legal system had evolved continuously to remain relevant amid technological advances, changing social expectations, and emerging security challenges. He noted that law reform had been an ongoing process requiring each generation to review existing legislation, update outdated provisions, and introduce new laws that addressed contemporary needs while preserving the rule of law.
Senior Minister Lee highlighted several significant legal developments, including legislation safeguarding racial and religious harmony, reforms addressing online falsehoods and foreign interference, emergency laws introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and constitutional amendments responding to changing societal norms. He emphasised that effective laws must be supported by trusted institutions and shared civic values to maintain public confidence and national resilience.
Speaking at the launch, Senior Minister K Shanmugam underscored the practical role of law reform in addressing real-world challenges and improving the lives of Singaporeans. Drawing on examples such as the establishment of the Family Justice Courts, the Simplified Divorce Track, the Maintenance Enforcement Process, reforms to criminal justice, the development of Singapore as an international arbitration hub, and the legal response to COVID-19, he said legislation had enabled the Government to respond effectively to evolving social and economic needs.
Both leaders emphasised that law reform had strengthened Singapore’s governance framework while reinforcing the rule of law, institutional integrity, and public trust. They noted that the legal system must continue adapting to future challenges, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity, climate change, and demographic shifts, while remaining anchored in constitutional principles and effective governance.
The launch concluded with the presentation of the four-volume series, which is expected to serve as a reference for students, legal practitioners, academics, judges, and policymakers. The publication also aims to support future discussions on Singapore’s legal development as the country continues to strengthen its legal institutions and legislative framework for the years ahead.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office Singapore
